Why the Winter Olympics beat American Idol's ratings

The Winter Olympics beat the US audience ratings of TV's most popular show, American Idol – a feat no other TV show has done in six years. That popularity extends worldwide with a record 82 countries participating, including newcomers from Pakistan to Peru.

According to IOC data, these Games are on track for record audiences – that includes TV and digital broadcasting. In addition to the opening ceremonies capturing the attention of three times more Canadians than when they hosted the Games in 1988, Olympics coverage also did what no TV show has been able to do in six years – beat American Idol’s ratings last Wednesday night. The Olympics were seen by 30.1 million people, while 18.4 million watched American Idol, according to the Nielsen Company.

Maybe that’s partly because Canadian expectations were so high for their countrymen winning medals – or, to put it in the new Canada speak, “owning the podium.” Or maybe it’s because the US has rented that podium out from under its northern neighbor with an unexpectedly impressive string of medal-winning performances.

In fact, alpine skiing may take the gold for most nations represented, with competitors from 73 countries including Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Pakistan, and Iran.

With all those countries taking part, and so many people watching, the IOC is no doubt relieved that not one of the 1,419 doping tests conducted so far – already double the number conducted in Salt Lake eight years ago – has resulted in a competition ban.

Those are all trends worth continuing.

Follow Christa as she tweets throughout the Games. You can also follow her on Facebook.